The tort system may achieve what the state legislatures could not with the hate-based Westboro Baptist Church. Continue reading ‘Hate-Based Church Ordered to Pay Millions to Grieving Father of Dead Soldier’
Archive for October, 2007
Hate-Based Church Ordered to Pay Millions to Grieving Father of Dead Soldier
Published 1, October 31, 2007 Justice , Torts Leave a CommentSenate Schedules Mukasey Vote for Next Tuesday — Despite Refusal to Recognize Waterboarding as Torture
Published 1, October 31, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law , Justice 4 CommentsIn what may be a disappointment for many, the Senate leadership has scheduled a vote on Mukasey for next Tuesday despite his refusal to recognize that waterboarding is torture. Continue reading ‘Senate Schedules Mukasey Vote for Next Tuesday — Despite Refusal to Recognize Waterboarding as Torture’
Mukasey Refuses to Denounce Waterboarding as Torture Again in Written Responses to Senate
Published 1, October 31, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law Leave a CommentFor the second time since his disasterous hearing, Michael Mukasey has refused to recognize that waterboarding is torture in answers to the Senate. Continue reading ‘Mukasey Refuses to Denounce Waterboarding as Torture Again in Written Responses to Senate’
Senate Democrats Have One Last Chance To Address Torture
Published 1, October 31, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law , Justice , Politics 7 CommentsFor many liberals and civil libertarians, the Senate Democrats have long been the political equivalent of the Italian army: They are best seen on parade. Continue reading ‘Senate Democrats Have One Last Chance To Address Torture’
Witness Testifies that FBI Used Mob to Coerce Information in Famous Civil Rights Case
Published 1, October 30, 2007 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice Leave a CommentFor years, it has been rumored that the FBI used mob muscle to coerce information from a Klansman to locate the bodies of civil rights workers James Chaney, Michael Schwerner and Andrew Goodman, Continue reading ‘Witness Testifies that FBI Used Mob to Coerce Information in Famous Civil Rights Case’
New Spins on Mukasey Testimony
Published 1, October 30, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law , Justice , Politics Leave a CommentThe White House continues to try to spin the presumptively false testimony of Michael Mukasey before the Senate. Continue reading ‘New Spins on Mukasey Testimony’
Supreme Court Takes Up Pornography Case
Published 1, October 30, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Supreme Court 1 CommentOn Tuesday, the Supreme Court will again enter the debate over curbing Internet porn. Continue reading ‘Supreme Court Takes Up Pornography Case’
Supreme Court to Hear Exxon Valdez Case
Published 1, October 29, 2007 Constitutional Law , Environment , Supreme Court , Torts Leave a CommentThe Supreme Court has grant cert to hear the Exxon Valdez cse and to agree whether Exxon Mobil should have to pay any punitive damages for the 1989 disaster that fouled 1,200 miles of pristine Alaskan shoreline. Continue reading ‘Supreme Court to Hear Exxon Valdez Case’
U.S. Holds Britain’s First Muslim Minister at Dulles on Suspicion in Major Diplomatic Flap
Published 1, October 29, 2007 Bizarre , Justice Leave a CommentIt appears that even being a government minister is not enough to protect you from being pulled aside for ‘flying while Muslim.” Continue reading ‘U.S. Holds Britain’s First Muslim Minister at Dulles on Suspicion in Major Diplomatic Flap’
Florida Tobacco Cases Head Back to Trial Court After Engle Defeat
Published 1, October 29, 2007 Congress , Torts 2 CommentsAfter the Florida Supreme Court threw out the $145 billion jury award against Big Tobacco, the industry celebrated the avoidance of a near disaster. However, individual cases are now lining up to return to court ahead of a January 11th deadline. Continue reading ‘Florida Tobacco Cases Head Back to Trial Court After Engle Defeat’
ABA Calls for Freeze on Executions
Published 1, October 29, 2007 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Supreme Court Leave a CommentThe American Bar Association has called for a freeze on executions across the country. Continue reading ‘ABA Calls for Freeze on Executions’
CIA Secret Prisons Emptied: Prisoners Disappear
Published 1, October 28, 2007 Criminal law , Justice Leave a CommentOne of the concerns about closing the Cuba facilities for detainees is that it would only lead to detainees disappearing into unknown facilities. That concern seems to have been realized with regard to the CIA secret prisons. Continue reading ‘CIA Secret Prisons Emptied: Prisoners Disappear’
Convictions of Black Soldiers Overturned — 63 Years Later
Published 1, October 28, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice 1 CommentIn an unexpected move, the U.S. Army is close to overturning the convictions of 63 black soldiers 63 years ago in Seattle after rioting of POWs at Fort Lawton. Continue reading ‘Convictions of Black Soldiers Overturned — 63 Years Later’
Craig Will Argue Constitutional Argument
Published 1, October 27, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law , Politics Leave a CommentNever a great defender of the constitutional rights as a senator, Sen. Craig will now raise an important challenge to the constitutionality of his arrest. Continue reading ‘Craig Will Argue Constitutional Argument’
White House Issues Implausible Defense of Mukasey’s Allegedly False Testimony
Published 1, October 27, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Politics Leave a CommentThe White House has issued a defense of Judge Mukasey’s presumably false testimony that he was unaware of the techniques used in waterboarding — the favorite form of torture employed by the CIA. Continue reading ‘White House Issues Implausible Defense of Mukasey’s Allegedly False Testimony’
Democratic Majority Leader Reid Says Torture is Just One Issue and Would Not Bar Mukasey
Published 1, October 27, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law , Politics Leave a CommentThe New York Times has qouted Majority Leader Harry Reid in an extraordinary statement and suggests that Democrats will not fight on the principle of torture — or another civil liberties issue in the last six years. Continue reading ‘Democratic Majority Leader Reid Says Torture is Just One Issue and Would Not Bar Mukasey’
FEMA Fakes News Conference Using Staff Members as Faux Reporters
Published 1, October 26, 2007 Bizarre , Environment , Politics Leave a CommentFEMA is still trying to recover from its almost criminal negligence during the Katrina disaster. Eager to court good news on its California efforts, however, FEMA showed equally bad judgment in staging a news conference in which staffers posed questions like reporters without revealing the deception to the public. Continue reading ‘FEMA Fakes News Conference Using Staff Members as Faux Reporters’
Police Developing Meth Gun — And Raising Serious Privacy and Policy Questions
Published 1, October 26, 2007 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law Leave a CommentThe Missouri Highway Patrol is testing a new scanning device that can detect the presence of meth at the press of a button. Continue reading ‘Police Developing Meth Gun — And Raising Serious Privacy and Policy Questions’
Georgia Supreme Court Strikes Down Ten Year Sentence of Genarlow Wilson as Cruel and Unusual Punishment
Published 1, October 26, 2007 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Lawyering 1 CommentThe Geroge Supreme Court has found the 10-year sentence of Genarlow Wilson to be unconstitutional as cruel and unusual punishment. It is the final righting of a terrible wrong — brought about by a complete lack of prosecutorial discretion and logic. Continue reading ‘Georgia Supreme Court Strikes Down Ten Year Sentence of Genarlow Wilson as Cruel and Unusual Punishment’
White House Issues Defense of Suppression of Testimony
Published 1, October 26, 2007 Uncategorized Leave a CommentThe White House is defending its suppression of the results of health threats caused by global warming. Continue reading ‘White House Issues Defense of Suppression of Testimony’
Suppressed CDC Testimony Details Health Risks — Original 14-Page Version Below
Published 1, October 26, 2007 Uncategorized Leave a CommentThe original CDC report on climate change has been leaked. For the full testimony, click here
U.N. Commission Warns Global Warming and Over-Population Now Threat to Human Survival
Published 1, October 26, 2007 Environment , Politics 1 CommentThe UN Environment Program’s fourth Global Environmental Outlook is out and it is bleak. Continue reading ‘U.N. Commission Warns Global Warming and Over-Population Now Threat to Human Survival’
Westboro Church Case Pits Privacy Against Free Speech
Published 1, October 26, 2007 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Justice , Torts Leave a CommentA trial is on the way to determine whether privacy or free speech will prevail in a torts actions against the Westboro Baptist church of Topeka, Kansas, whose members have taunted the families of dead soldiers at their funerals with signs like “Thank God for dead soldiers.” Continue reading ‘Westboro Church Case Pits Privacy Against Free Speech’
Additional Lawmakers in Oklahoma Return Korans — But Not Bibles — In Condemnation of a Religion
Published 1, October 25, 2007 Bizarre , Politics 2 CommentsFor many, the campaign of Rex Duncan, an Oklahoma legislator, upset at receiving a free Koran (or Quran) was just an example of one highly bigoted individual. Continue reading ‘Additional Lawmakers in Oklahoma Return Korans — But Not Bibles — In Condemnation of a Religion’
Abortion Doctor Challenges the Kansas Grand Jury System
Published 1, October 25, 2007 Constitutional Law , Justice , Supreme Court 1 CommentDr. George Tiller, an abortion provider in Kansas, has filed an interesting challenge to a grand jury investigating his activities. Kansas allows citizens to gather signatures to call a grand jury investigation. Continue reading ‘Abortion Doctor Challenges the Kansas Grand Jury System’
A New Campaign Against Witches in Massachusetts: Catholic School Bans Harry Potter
Published 1, October 25, 2007 Academics , Bizarre Leave a CommentHarry Potter may have fought the death eaters and Lord Voldemort to a stand still but he is no match for Catholic St. Joseph’s pastor, the Rev. Ron Barker. Continue reading ‘A New Campaign Against Witches in Massachusetts: Catholic School Bans Harry Potter’
Terror Watch List Now Approaching 800,000 People
Published 1, October 24, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice 1 CommentThe government’s terrorist watch list has swelled to more than 755,000 names, according to a new government report that warns the the lack of restraint on putting people on the list is making it meaningless from a security standpoint — and increasingly annoying for citizens barred from flights. Continue reading ‘Terror Watch List Now Approaching 800,000 People’
New Defense Theory: Suicide by Rape
Published 1, October 24, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law Leave a CommentIn past cases involving shootings, police have argued that some people use the police to end their lives in so-called “suicide by cop” cases. Now, a defendant is claiming that another man wanted to be shot when he tried to engage in gay sex — what his defense attorney called “suicide by rape.” Continue reading ‘New Defense Theory: Suicide by Rape’
White House Barred Release of CDC Testimony on Global Warming to Congress
Published 1, October 24, 2007 Environment , Politics Leave a CommentPresident Bush has only recently back off of his long opposition to the theory of global warming, once even rejected his own scientists support of the theory as “junk science.” Now, however, it has been disclosed that the White House cut out testimony to Congress that revealed the scope of the dangers of global warming to citizens. Continue reading ‘White House Barred Release of CDC Testimony on Global Warming to Congress’
Mukasey’s Confirmation: A Vote about Torture
Published 1, October 24, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law , Politics 2 CommentsThe attorney general nominee’s evasive remarks on ‘water-boarding’ should disqualify him from the job. Continue reading ‘Mukasey’s Confirmation: A Vote about Torture’
Oklahoma Legislator Objects to State-Supplied Koran — But Not the Bible
Published 1, October 23, 2007 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Politics 1 CommentOklahoma state Representative Rex Duncan is leading a campaign against the supply of copies of the Koran as part of a larger gift from the Governor’s Ethnic American Advisory Council. Continue reading ‘Oklahoma Legislator Objects to State-Supplied Koran — But Not the Bible’
Sen. Craig Uses Campaign Funds for Criminal Case
Published 1, October 23, 2007 Congress , Politics 1 CommentSen. Craig has reported that he is tapping into campaign funds to pay his legal fees. Continue reading ‘Sen. Craig Uses Campaign Funds for Criminal Case’
Administration Withholds Safety Study From the Public to Protect Airline Industry
Published 1, October 22, 2007 Congress 1 CommentAfter completing an expensive study of safety problems like near collisions and runway interference, the Administration found far more dangerous conditions than anticipated. The result: it has withheld the information and ordered the destruction of documents to protect the industry from its own errors. Continue reading ‘Administration Withholds Safety Study From the Public to Protect Airline Industry’
White House Conditions Access of Oversight Committees to Key Documents on their Granting Immunity to Corporations
Published 1, October 22, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law , Justice , Supreme Court Leave a CommentIn what should be considered an outrage, the White House told Congress that it would grant or deny access to key documents sought for oversight on whether the two houses included an immunity provision for the telecommunication companies. Continue reading ‘White House Conditions Access of Oversight Committees to Key Documents on their Granting Immunity to Corporations’
Mistrial In Holy Land Case
Published 1, October 22, 2007 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice Leave a CommentThe federal District Court court in Dallas declared a mistrial Monday on almost all of the counts against the Holy Land Foundation, the Islamic charity accused of illegally funneling money to the militant Palestinian group Hamas. It is a major loss for the government and one that is likely to be heralded by civil libertarians concerned over the almost limitless definition of what constitutes material support for terrorists. Continue reading ‘Mistrial In Holy Land Case’
Disbarred Attorney and Convicted Pedophile is Given Hearing Before Supreme Court
Published 1, October 22, 2007 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Supreme Court Leave a CommentDisbarred Minnesota attorney and convicted pedophile Stephen Danforth is about to get an opportunity that few lawyers experience: to have a case argued before the Supreme Court. Continue reading ‘Disbarred Attorney and Convicted Pedophile is Given Hearing Before Supreme Court’
Illinois Court Upholds Dismissal of Alienation of Affection Case
Published 1, October 22, 2007 Torts 1 CommentAn Illinois court dismissed a case alleging a new popular theory of recovery for jilted spouses being seen in more courts: alienation of affection. Continue reading ‘Illinois Court Upholds Dismissal of Alienation of Affection Case’
Second-Grader in New Jersey Suspended for Drawing Stick Figure With Gun
Published 1, October 21, 2007 Academics , Bizarre Leave a CommentNew Jersey second-grader Kyle Walker drew a stick figure shooting a gun — and found himself suspended from school. Continue reading ‘Second-Grader in New Jersey Suspended for Drawing Stick Figure With Gun’
Congress Hears of Abuse in Extraordinary Rendition Case — Members Apologize to Victim
Published 1, October 21, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice Leave a CommentGovernment officials have admitted to newspaper that they have used extraordinary renditions to send individuals to other countries for torture. Congress rather belatedly after six years of GOP control is now looking into these abuses. Continue reading ‘Congress Hears of Abuse in Extraordinary Rendition Case — Members Apologize to Victim’
Case Dropped Against Arizona Jounalists — Prosecutor Removed
Published 1, October 21, 2007 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering , Media 1 CommentThe case against the two Arizona newspaper executives has been dropped by the Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas. Continue reading ‘Case Dropped Against Arizona Jounalists — Prosecutor Removed’
Man Found Wrongly Convicted and Executed in 1910
Published 1, October 20, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice Leave a CommentHawley Crippen was once the most famous murderer in England — and may now be the most famously wrongly accused and executed man in England. Continue reading ‘Man Found Wrongly Convicted and Executed in 1910′
Military to Expand Role in Running Public High Schools
Published 1, October 20, 2007 Academics , Politics 1 CommentWith financial and political support of democratic leaders, particularly Raum Emanuel, the military will add to its controversial Marine run high school with high schools for the other services: Continue reading ‘Military to Expand Role in Running Public High Schools’
Federal Magistrate Calls for Court Order to Preserve White House Emails Over Administration’s Objections
Published 1, October 19, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law , Politics 8 CommentsA federal magistrate has rejected claims from the White House and recommended the issuance of a court order against the White House to ensure the preservation of e-mails. Continue reading ‘Federal Magistrate Calls for Court Order to Preserve White House Emails Over Administration’s Objections’
Suing Over the Separation of Church and State
Published 1, October 19, 2007 Columns , Constitutional Law , Supreme Court 5 CommentsGiven the Crist controversy, the prior column below on the separation of church and state may be of interest. Continue reading ‘Suing Over the Separation of Church and State’
Florida Governor Under Fire for Hanging Religious Symbol on Governor’s Office Door
Published 1, October 19, 2007 Constitutional Law , Justice , Politics Leave a CommentFlorida Gov. Charlie Crist is under attack after an event in which Rabbi Schneur Oirechman affixed a mezuzah from Israel upon the doorway of his Capitol office on Oct. 11. Continue reading ‘Florida Governor Under Fire for Hanging Religious Symbol on Governor’s Office Door’
Congressman Opposes Program to Save Protected Turtles and Calls for Using Money to Build More Highways
Published 1, October 19, 2007 Congress , Environment Leave a CommentRep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., has opposed a modest program to save turtles being wiped out along a highway in Michigan. Continue reading ‘Congressman Opposes Program to Save Protected Turtles and Calls for Using Money to Build More Highways’
Mukasey Opposes Federal Shield Law to Protect Journalists and the Free Press
Published 1, October 19, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law , Justice , Media 2 CommentsDespite refusing to denounce water-boarding as torture and cl aiming a lack of knowledge of the technique, leading democrats are still praising Mukasey for “at least answering the question.” He has also come out against a major reform demanded after attacks by the Administration. Continue reading ‘Mukasey Opposes Federal Shield Law to Protect Journalists and the Free Press’
Grand Jury Secrecy and the Rocky Flats Scandal
Published 1, October 19, 2007 Columns , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Environment , Justice 3 CommentsGiven the recent crack down on reporters in Arizona, the prior column from the Washington below on the grand jury secrecy may be of interest. Continue reading ‘Grand Jury Secrecy and the Rocky Flats Scandal’
Attack on the Free Press: Arizona Officers Arrest Journalists for Disclosing Grand Jury Abuse
Published 1, October 19, 2007 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Media 2 CommentsIn a clear attack on the first amendment, the editors of an Alternative Newspaper have been arrested on charges of violating Grand Jury secrecy. Continue reading ‘Attack on the Free Press: Arizona Officers Arrest Journalists for Disclosing Grand Jury Abuse’
Mukasey Refuses to Denounce Water-Boarding as Torture and Forces Democrats into Another Crisis of Principle
Published 1, October 19, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law , Justice , Politics Leave a CommentIn his confirmation hearing, Judge Mukasey has refused to say whether a well-known torture technique is indeed torture. If Democrats are serious about demanding a return to the rule of law, it is an issue that should compel Senators to withhold their votes in confirmation. Continue reading ‘Mukasey Refuses to Denounce Water-Boarding as Torture and Forces Democrats into Another Crisis of Principle’
United States Commission on Religion Attacks Islamic School
Published 1, October 18, 2007 Bizarre , Congress , Constitutional Law 3 CommentsThe U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has attacked the Islamic Saudi Academy, a private school serving nearly 1,000 students in grades K-12 in northern Virginia’s Fairfax County. The Commission has that the school reflects a lack of religious freedom in Saudi society and promotion of religious extremism at Saudi schools. The real question is why we still have this commission funded by the federal government. Continue reading ‘United States Commission on Religion Attacks Islamic School’
Privacy and Telephone Customers About to Lose Again in Congress
Published 1, October 18, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law , Justice 3 CommentsThe Senate has reportedly reached a deal giving telecommunication companies legal immunity for their possible unlawful conduct in domestic surveillance. Continue reading ‘Privacy and Telephone Customers About to Lose Again in Congress’
GOP Delays Surveillance Bill
Published 1, October 17, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law Leave a CommentThrough a procedural move, the Republicans have delayed the vote on the surveillance bill. Continue reading ‘GOP Delays Surveillance Bill’
Democrats Yield to White House and Kill Genocide Bill
Published 1, October 17, 2007 Congress , Justice , Politics Leave a CommentPresident Bush has pressured Democrats to kill the genocide bill involving Turkey. Continue reading ‘Democrats Yield to White House and Kill Genocide Bill’
Congress Holds Out Promise of Retroactive Immunity for Telecoms
Published 1, October 17, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law Leave a CommentThe House surveillance bill is now complete. It does not force the government to satisfy the Fourth Amendment on surveillance of citizens and allows for a relatively weak level of review — albeit more review than President Bush will accept. Continue reading ‘Congress Holds Out Promise of Retroactive Immunity for Telecoms’
Virginia Student’s Death Highlights Killer Infection and Inadequate Government Action
Published 1, October 16, 2007 Congress , Environment 1 CommentThe death of a Virginia high school student to a drug-resistant staph highlights how little the Clinton or Bush Administrations have done on this long-known crisis. Continue reading ‘Virginia Student’s Death Highlights Killer Infection and Inadequate Government Action’
11-Year-Old Girls in Maine May Be Allowed the Pill Without Parental Notice
Published 1, October 16, 2007 Constitutional Law Leave a CommentThere has long been an erosion of parental rights in the United States as a byproduct of the decision in Roe v. Wade. Now, students who have parental permission to be treated at King Middle School’s health center in Portland would be able to get birth control prescriptions under a new proposal. Continue reading ‘11-Year-Old Girls in Maine May Be Allowed the Pill Without Parental Notice’
Verizon Turns Over Vague Information on National Security Letters
Published 1, October 16, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law 3 CommentsWith the government still invoking the state secrets privilege on particular requests, Verizon revealed that from 2005 through this September there were 63,700 requests for information on its customers with 720 from federal authorities. Continue reading ‘Verizon Turns Over Vague Information on National Security Letters’
Potty Mouth Offense: Cop Charges Woman For Swearing Inside Her Own Home
Published 1, October 16, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law 3 CommentsWe have seen more than a few abuses of police authority for personal reasons, such as the recent charge against a fast food worker for putting too much salt in an officer’s burger. Now, a woman has been charged with disorderly conduct for swearing inside her bathroom as a toilet overflowed into the kitchen. Continue reading ‘Potty Mouth Offense: Cop Charges Woman For Swearing Inside Her Own Home’
Judge Charged with Misconduct for Letter to Newspaper
Published 1, October 16, 2007 Justice , Lawyering , Torts Leave a CommentSuperior Court Judge Ernest Murphy recently made a little bit of history by winning a $2 million defamation judgment against the Boston Herald after that paper made him a national scandal in an article. Continue reading ‘Judge Charged with Misconduct for Letter to Newspaper’
Bush Administration Bars Telecoms from Speaking with Congress on Secret Program
Published 1, October 16, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law , Supreme Court Leave a CommentIn an amazing act of defiance, the Bush Administration has ordered telecommunication companies to refuse to disclose to Congress whether they have revealed information to the government in the ongoing investigation of a secret program. Continue reading ‘Bush Administration Bars Telecoms from Speaking with Congress on Secret Program’
Marines to Run Chicago Public High School
Published 1, October 16, 2007 Academics , Bizarre Leave a CommentIn the wake of the announcement of the controversial College of the American Soldier (where recruits will get college credits for simply learning tasks in military service), Chicago has opened the country’s first public high school run by the U.S. Marines. Continue reading ‘Marines to Run Chicago Public High School’
Craig Appeals Denial
Published 1, October 15, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law , Justice 1 CommentSen. Larry Craig filed an appeal Monday ater the court refused to allow him to withdraw his guilty plea. The chances are slim. The best case to challenge the charges was always the constitutionality of the underlying law. Effectively, the police are charging consenting adults with communicating an interest in sex as opposed to engaging in sex in a public place. The latter is clearly a justified criminal act. However, adults are allowed to discuss consensual sex and even signal such interest. For the full story on the appeal, click here
Mistrial Declared in Ex-University President’s Trial
Published 1, October 14, 2007 Academics Leave a CommentA mistrial was declared on Friday in the trial of Texas Southern University’s former president, Priscilla Slade, 55, who is accused of misspending school funds to lavishly decorate her homes.
Regent University Student Faces Expulsion over Posting Robertson Picture
Published 1, October 12, 2007 Constitutional Law , Torts 10 CommentsAdam M. Key, a Regent University law student, says sthat the school may discipline or expel him over a picture that he posted on the internet showing Regent’s chancellor and president Pat Reobertson making what appears to be an obscene gesture. Continue reading ‘Regent University Student Faces Expulsion over Posting Robertson Picture’
An 11-year-old girl flying alone from San Diego to Atlanta has alleged that she was sexually molested by a man who moved into the empty seat next to her on the flight. Continue reading ‘Delta Sued for Alleged Child Molestation on Flight’
Mass. Case Raises Question of the Reasonable Sadomasochist
Published 1, October 11, 2007 Bizarre , Torts Leave a CommentAs a torts case, it certainly does not get stranger than a case filed in Lynn, Mass. Continue reading ‘Mass. Case Raises Question of the Reasonable Sadomasochist’
Columbia Refuses to Turn Over Videotape in Noose Incident
Published 1, October 11, 2007 Academics , Bizarre 1 CommentAcademics and students are shocked by the recent appearance of a noose outside the door of an African-American professor at Columbia University. Continue reading ‘Columbia Refuses to Turn Over Videotape in Noose Incident’
Turkey Recalls Ambassador Over Genocide Bill
Published 1, October 11, 2007 Congress , Justice Leave a CommentToday, Turkey added pressure on the Administration by recalling its ambassador in Washington after a congressional committee’s decision to approve a bill describing the World War I-era killings of Armenians as genocide. Continue reading ‘Turkey Recalls Ambassador Over Genocide Bill’
Teacher Tries to Staple Post-It to Student’s Head
Published 1, October 11, 2007 Academics , Bizarre , Torts Leave a CommentIn a challenging case of count the torts, a Plymouth, Indiana teacher’s aide tried to staple a post it to the forehead of a fourth grader. Continue reading ‘Teacher Tries to Staple Post-It to Student’s Head’
Blogger Sued for Defamation Case by Friend of Lindsay Lohan
Published 1, October 11, 2007 Constitutional Law , Torts Leave a CommentBloggers have long been known for a fairly raw form of discussion. Now a defamation suit may serve as a warning to all bloggers that they are equally vulnerable to lawsuit. Continue reading ‘Blogger Sued for Defamation Case by Friend of Lindsay Lohan’
Complaint Filed Against Judge After Locking Court Door in Blocking Death Row Appeal
Published 1, October 11, 2007 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Supreme Court Leave a CommentLeading attorneys in Texas has filed a rare complaint against a judge who refused to keep an office open for 20 minutes in a final death row appeal. Continue reading ‘Complaint Filed Against Judge After Locking Court Door in Blocking Death Row Appeal’
Convicted Porn Defendant Found to Write His Own Letters of Forgiveness from Victims
Published 1, October 11, 2007 Bizarre , Criminal law , Justice 2 CommentsIt is well known that letters supporting an accused can lead to some reduction of a sentence — unless you write them yourself. Continue reading ‘Convicted Porn Defendant Found to Write His Own Letters of Forgiveness from Victims’
Police Officer Sues for Slip and Fall After Florida Family’s Tragic Accident with One-Year-Old Child
Published 1, October 10, 2007 Justice , Lawyering , Torts 1 CommentThe Cosmillo family thought that it had faced the worst when 1-year-old Joey Cosmillo fell into the family pool and, when pulled out, was not breathjng. Rescuers brought him back to life but he had already suffered severe brain damage. The family, however, was in for another shock when one of the police officers sued them for a fall on their property. Continue reading ‘Police Officer Sues for Slip and Fall After Florida Family’s Tragic Accident with One-Year-Old Child’
Houston Crime Lab Blunder Leads to Prison for Innocent Man for 12 years
Published 1, October 10, 2007 Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering Leave a CommentFor years, the Houston crime lab has been notorious of shoddy work. Now, a man who has spent 12 years in prison for rape has been found innocent. Continue reading ‘Houston Crime Lab Blunder Leads to Prison for Innocent Man for 12 years’
President Opposes Genocide Resolution as an Inconvenient Truth
Published 1, October 10, 2007 Congress , Justice , Politics 2 CommentsIt appears that genocide is a term that is simply not used among friends. Continue reading ‘President Opposes Genocide Resolution as an Inconvenient Truth’
Catholic Bishop Faces Contempt Charges
Published 1, October 10, 2007 Criminal law , Justice , Lawyering Leave a CommentIn Santa Ana, California a Catholic Bishop faces a criminal charge of contempt of court. Continue reading ‘Catholic Bishop Faces Contempt Charges’
ConAgra Foods Inc. has had to stop production of its Banquet pot pies after 139 cases of salmonella in 30 states. Continue reading ‘ConAgra Faces New Salmonella Incident’
Democrats Reportedly To Back Off of Iraq Troop Withdrawal Legislation
Published 1, October 10, 2007 Congress Leave a CommentThe same week that the democrats have indicated that they will largely cave into the demands over the domestic surveillance program, it now appears that the democratic leadership has decided to pull back efforts to force a troop withdrawal from Iraq. Continue reading ‘Democrats Reportedly To Back Off of Iraq Troop Withdrawal Legislation’
Man Found Not Guilty of Feeding the Homeless
Published 1, October 10, 2007 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Criminal law , Justice Leave a CommentIn Orange County, Florida, the city elders do not like people feeding the homeless, so they made it a crime. Continue reading ‘Man Found Not Guilty of Feeding the Homeless’
Senate to Give Into Demands From White House and Telecommunications Companies
Published 1, October 10, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law , Justice Leave a CommentThe Senate appears ready to again yield to the President on the surveillance bill after democrats promised voters to fight on such issues. Continue reading ‘Senate to Give Into Demands From White House and Telecommunications Companies’
Lesbian Couple Seeks Divorce in Rhode Island
Published 1, October 9, 2007 Constitutional Law 2 CommentsIn an interesting test of the same-sex marriage barrier, a lesbian couple married in Massachusetts is seeking a divorce in Rhode Island, which does not expressly permit (or expressly bar) gay marriage. Continue reading ‘Lesbian Couple Seeks Divorce in Rhode Island’
U.S. Torture and the Loss of American Identity
Published 1, October 9, 2007 Columns , Constitutional Law , Military 1 CommentRights on the Rack: Alleged torture in terror war imperils U.S. standards of humanity Continue reading ‘U.S. Torture and the Loss of American Identity’
Supreme Court Refuses to Hear El-Masri Case
Published 1, October 9, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law , Supreme Court Leave a CommentThe Supreme Court has refused to hear the case of Khaled el-Masri, 44 who alleged that he was kidnapped by CIA agents in Europe, held in an Afghan prison for four months, and tortured. Continue reading ‘Supreme Court Refuses to Hear El-Masri Case’
Nuns, Sailor-Mongers and Terorrism
Published 1, October 9, 2007 Columns , Constitutional Law 1 CommentWith the start of the Detroit trial, the following column from the L.A. Times October 2003 may be of interest. Continue reading ‘Nuns, Sailor-Mongers and Terorrism’
Former Prosecutor Faces Trial Stemming From Terrorism Case
Published 1, October 9, 2007 Congress , Justice , Lawyering 1 CommentIn Detroit, a terrorism prosecutor is facing criminal charges for allegedly lying and obstructing justice. Continue reading ‘Former Prosecutor Faces Trial Stemming From Terrorism Case’
January 20, 2006
This is the opening statement from the hearing immediately after the disclosure of the NSA program. Continue reading ‘Prior Testimony on the NSA Program’
Some Dems Appear Ready to Cave on Surveillance Law — Again
Published 1, October 9, 2007 Congress , Constitutional Law 3 CommentsThe Democrats unveiled their new proposal for a surveillance bill today. It is a document that is far more about contemporary politics than constitutional principle. Continue reading ‘Some Dems Appear Ready to Cave on Surveillance Law — Again’
Former University President’s Case Goes to the Jury
Published 1, October 9, 2007 Academics , Congress Leave a CommentA jury finally as the case of Priscilla Slade, former president of Texas Southern University, a small predominantly black institution. Slade is accused of spending more than half a million dollars on decorations and high lifestyle at a school with fewer than 10,000 students – 85% of whom are on financial aide. Continue reading ‘Former University President’s Case Goes to the Jury’
Field Tests Under Question: Woman Jailed for Contraband Cat Urine
Published 1, October 9, 2007 Bizarre , Justice 1 CommentThe basis for arrest in many cases is often a field test of suspicious substances. A case out of Tampa Florida shows how unreliable these tests can be. Continue reading ‘Field Tests Under Question: Woman Jailed for Contraband Cat Urine’
Judge Frees Man After 14 Years Without Trial
Published 1, October 8, 2007 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Justice Leave a CommentA North Carolina judge on Monday dismissed murder and robbery charges first filed in 1993 against a mentally retarded defendant without trial for murder and robbery. Continue reading ‘Judge Frees Man After 14 Years Without Trial’
Appellate Court to Decide Role of Prayer in High School Football
Published 1, October 8, 2007 Constitutional Law , Supreme Court Leave a CommentA case out of the Third Circuit may help define the line between public education and religion. Continue reading ‘Appellate Court to Decide Role of Prayer in High School Football’
Doughnut Thief May Get 30 Years
Published 1, October 7, 2007 Bizarre , Lawyering , Supreme Court Leave a CommentIn Missouri, they take their doughnuts seriously. After a man store a single doughnut from the County Mart and shoved a store worker, prosecutors are seeking a conviction for strong-arm robbery and potentially 30 years. Continue reading ‘Doughnut Thief May Get 30 Years’
Sen. Craig Chosen for Idaho Hall of Fame
Published 1, October 7, 2007 Bizarre , Congress Leave a CommentIt appears that allegedly soliciting sex in a public bathroom is not a barrier to entry in the Idaho Hall of Fame, which has announced the induction of Sen. Larry Craig. Continue reading ‘Sen. Craig Chosen for Idaho Hall of Fame’
Professors Sue Oral Roberts University Alleging Corrupt and Seedy Practices by Roberts Family
Published 1, October 7, 2007 Academics , Bizarre , Torts Leave a CommentOral Roberts University has long been controversial, ever since God was going to “call him home.” Now his son and new head of the university is involved in a raging scandal involving his family and has said, as with his father, God has intervened to tell him to deny everything. Continue reading ‘Professors Sue Oral Roberts University Alleging Corrupt and Seedy Practices by Roberts Family’
Airlines May Be Liable for Reduction of Legroom on Flights
Published 1, October 7, 2007 Congress , Politics , Torts Leave a CommentFor years, experts have complained with passengers that the ridiculously little legroom offered by airlines is not just uncomfortable but unhealthy. Now, a tort case could force airlines to give passengers more space. Continue reading ‘Airlines May Be Liable for Reduction of Legroom on Flights’
Teenagers Beat Mother, Steal Car, and Throw Baby Out Window
Published 1, October 6, 2007 Bizarre , Justice 2 CommentsIn a shocking crime in Nebraska, three teenagers stole a car, kidnapped a baby, then threw the baby out the window. Continue reading ‘Teenagers Beat Mother, Steal Car, and Throw Baby Out Window’
Prosecutor Drops Charges for Push Ups
Published 1, October 6, 2007 Bizarre , Constitutional Law , Justice , Lawyering Leave a CommentA prosecutor joined a worrisome trend by trading criminal charges for push ups. Continue reading ‘Prosecutor Drops Charges for Push Ups’
150,000 Former Prisoners to Receive Between $3000 to $4000 Each for Improper Searches
Published 1, October 6, 2007 Constitutional Law , Justice Leave a CommentA New York settlement will give up to $4000 for prisoners improperly strip searched. Continue reading ‘150,000 Former Prisoners to Receive Between $3000 to $4000 Each for Improper Searches’
Federal Prosecutor Who Sought Sex with Five-Year-Old Kills Himself in Prison
Published 1, October 6, 2007 Justice , Torts Leave a CommentAssistant U.S. Attorney John D.R. Atchison was accused of flying to Detroit last month to have sex with a 5-year-old girl. Continue reading ‘Federal Prosecutor Who Sought Sex with Five-Year-Old Kills Himself in Prison’
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